The RSPCA have welcomed a move by the government to ban the use of electric shock collars.

The animal welfare charity has long campaigned for electric shock collars to be banned because they trigger fear and pain in pets.

Government department, Defra announced proposals to ban the use of the devices last month.

RSPCA dog welfare expert Dr. Samantha Gains, said: “We’re delighted that the government has listened to the concerns raised by us and other animal welfare organisaions and has launched a consultation to ban the use of electric shock collars in England.

“A survey carried out for the RSPCA’s #DogKind report, found that while 88% of dog owners agreed that training shouldn’t frighten, worry or hurt dogs, a worrying 5% said they used electric shock collars.

A consultation into the collars has now been opened by Defra and will close on April 20.